We learned yesterday afternoon that Stanford Cancer Center has found two donor matches for Nick out of the thirteen potential matches that had been developed by the national registry. Human leukocytes antigen (HLA) typing is used to match patients and donors for transplants. The immune system uses these antigens (markers) to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. Stanford was searching for a set of ten markers for the best match. Each of the two donor matches that were discovered, match ten out of ten criterion markers. Further evaluation needs to occur on the two donors by Stanford before a final selection can be made. Moreover, up until the actual transplant event, the national registry will continue to search for other possible donors that might make an even better match.

In any event it looks like Nick is going to get his chance at a transplant procedure which is heartening indeed for all of us. Nick and his family are so very grateful to all those people behind the scenes at EMC, as well as the other large companies that joined in, The Asian-American Donor Program, the Be The Match Donor Program, all the media involved, and the Stanford/Kaiser medical teams that have helped bring about this hopeful development. We are equally thankful for all of the outpouring of personal support by individuals all over this land and around the globe for their good wishes, prayers, support, and for all the donor volunteers who have come forward this past month.

Five weeks ago, we received the devastating news that there was 0% chance of finding a donor. Due to all of the overwhelming support and response to our call to action, not one, but TWO 10 out of 10 matching markers have been found and secured. We have not been told who these angels are due to confidentiality reasons, but we are so grateful for them! Both donors will be prepped, as well as Nick, for a transplant, which should take place within 30 days. Nick still has a long road ahead of him, so we ask that you continue to keep him, as well as both donors, in your thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant. We ask you to continue to spread the word for the need for donors, as Stanford will continue to search for even more perfect matches, until the actual transplant day. Also, we never want any family to experience the hopelessness of not being able to find a donor match. The harsh reality is that there are thousands of people just like Nick waiting for a donor match to be found. Time is ticking away and they need your help too. Please continue to spread the word that every person ‘in good health’ should be tested and enlisted into the registry. Time is of the essence! This is Nick’s wish, and ours, that every person should have a fighting chance!

As many of you know, our friend/co-worker, Nick Glasgow, was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML) on March 16th 2009. Since then, he has been confined to a hospital room at Kaiser Permanente in Hayward, CA. During his stay he has endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy in the hopes that he would go into remission, but he hasn’t. Now he is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant and the race is on to save Nick’s life.

Our primary goal is to help Nick find a bone marrow match. The magnitude of support Nick and his Family have received is unparalleled. Be it registering to be a donor, sharing Nick’s story with others and through various media outlets and/or keeping Nick and his Family in your thoughts and prayers, everything you do helps to attain our goal.

Many of you have mentioned that you do not think you are suitable donors, but have expressed interest in providing a contribution to Nick and his Family.

That said, in an effort to help ease the burden of compiling medical expenses, Nick’s friends have set up a fund to assist Nick and his Family during this trying time. If you would like to make a contribution, please mail your checks to the address provided below. Although your contribution is not tax deductible, it is immensely appreciated by Nick, his Family and his friends as we continue the fight to save his life.

With Nick’s situation becoming even more urgent, we’re trying to encourage as many folks as possible to come out to the donor drive tomorrow in San Francisco’s Japantown. It’s sponsored by the Nichi Bei Times.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13WHERE: JCCCNC (Art Room, 1840 Sutter St., first floor) in San Francisco’s Japantown.TIME: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The third round of chemotherapy failed to put Nick into remission and “time is really running out.” Carole is in contact with Stanford to see the status of a bone marrow donor match. She’s hoping to hear from them today.

There are many unanswered questions right now: If there is a match found can Nick have an immediate transplant? How long will that take? How long does he have to wait? He needs to be strong enough to endure a transplant, and that is the big unanswered question.

What Carole is asking for is for people to still be tested if they haven’t.

Secondly, for prayer.

Nick and Carole are terrified right now due to all of the uncertainty and running out of options. Please say a prayer for a match, strength for Nick to endure a transplant, that the transplant takes, as well as strength for Carole as she stands by her only son’s side during this uncertain time.

1) Visit BeTheMatch.org to determine if a local drive is happening close to you. This is the best/fastest way to help Nick directly.

2) If no local drives are available, register online for a home test kit. Home test samples returned to www.Bethematch.org will be expedited specifically for Nick's search. Between June 8-22 enter code: "CM579" or "AADPmarrowthon"